Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Travel Tip Thursday: A Midsummer's Night Gleam


Yes, I do realize it is Wednesday. I’m time zoned challenged.

I’ll bet everyone thought we’d be going to the beach today. No worries. That post is lurking out there in the not so distant future.

The first Travel Tip Thursday is brought to you by “Check Out the Free Festivals.”

Last Saturday I was looking forward to having the house to myself in the afternoon, since everyone else was working. My daughter, who works as an assistant for a magician as one of her two jobs, was trying to talk me into going to the function she was working.

I probably wasn’t listening as well as I should have, because I had just assumed it was a magic show at some children’s function. Which it usually is. But she wore me down with enough information coming at me to peak my curiosity.

She, the magician, and some of his magic students, were volunteering their time as ballonatics at a summer festival.

I let her talk me into going and am very thankful she pushed and got me out of the house.

We went to Foster Botanical Gardens in downtown Honolulu. In the 27 years I have lived here, I have never been inside these gardens. I really need to do stuff like this more often.

The gardens are incredible. They are not up in a tropical, rainforesty valley; these gardens are surrounded by apartments and busy streets. You could not guess at what is inside until you actually get through the gate.

The event at the Foster Botanical Gardens was an annual fundraiser called A Midsummer’s Night Gleam. Loosely based on the frivolity of the play, the festival offered a variety of activities and performances. From medieval jousting to tons of art and craft activities for kids, there was a ton of stuff going on.

But let’s show rather than tell here, shall we? Don't forget you can always click on a photo to enlage it.



I feel a little explanation is in order on this one. This activity was a "wishing tree." There were strips of construction paper and one could write down one's wish and tie it onto the tree. Don't know how protocol this was, but me, I read some of the wishes. Lots of admirable wishes for the greater good. There were some stand outs. One little scrawler wished for a little sister. Another one wished for a pet monkey. But my favorite? In beautiful adult cursive one wish read, "I wish my daughter would behave herself." I'm thinking this kid might be the same one who wished for a monkey.

This puzzled me to no end. All five of these people with their kick ass cameras taking photos of the tiki torches.

All these white paper bags had candles in them, which were lit at dusk. It was beautiful.






My daughter and I had our hands painted with henna. It had actually been on our wish list for the summer.

And now for a little slice....

The travel tip? Find out what is going on at your vacation destination and get in on some of the free action. If you are coming to Oahu, you can start with The Honolulu Advertiser’s TGIF section.


The staycation tip? Take advantage of the seasonal festivals and activities going on in your own area. Break out of your routine every once in awhile.

What's your tip? Grab the badge over in the sidebar and play along...


47 comments:

Jan said...

As a budding camera geek/photographer, I can see the attraction to photographing the tiki torches. In fact, while we're in our cabin in the woods this weekend, I'm going to make Beloved make a fire in the fire pit outside so I can practice taking pictures in the dark, by firelight.

The henna hand-paintings are simply gorgeous! How long will they last?

I love this post - keep them coming! I'm storing them up so when Beloved balks about going to Oahu, I can show them to him.

♥ Braja said...

I love the wish tree.....there's similar things here in India, where sacred trees are---people go on pilgrimage, stop at these trees, and little prayers are tied to them; the tree, in return, gives its blessing. Sweet :)
Loved the orchids too. And the henna :)) Nice pics, Pseudo....really nice.
x

cheatymoon said...

One of my good friends and her daughter get henna hands at least once per summer. Fun.

Also, that wish tree? I think I may do this with my students. Really cool.

Love this post. Gorgeous photos. I think the group of photographers w/ the tiki torches may have been a photo class...

Will be back for Mr. Linky sometimes tomorrow. :-)

Stacy Uncorked said...

I love the idea of a wishing tree! How fun! Very interesting about that one 'adult' wish... ;) Love all the photos - I would have been glad to have been 'talked into' going to that, too! :)

Anonymous said...

Looks like a fab day out was had by all.

darsden said...

what kind of tree is that will all the balls hanging on it? I enjoyed looking at all your pictures, love the bags for the light path too.

Unknown said...

Isn't it fabulous finding out what is available in your area that you were maybe unaware of and discover later that it's just great! And usually free, to boot!

Cristin said...

Wow.. beautiful...love the wish tree too...

Kristan said...

Beautiful photos!!

Andy and I are all about the free festivals, because they are our favorite thing: FREE! The ones in Cincy (at least that I've been to) seem to be a lot about food and music. (Two more things we like.) But you know, I bet we could be going to free festivals in nearby cities (Columbus, Chicago, Louisville, etc.) to take better advantage. Sometimes a "vacation" doesn't have to be more than a couple hours away, you know?

Angie Ledbetter said...

Fun times! Tippage?~~ Stay home and unplug all the electronics, phone and noise. Nap.

hillgrandmom said...

I echo Darsden, 'what kind of tree is that with the globed fruit and the flowers growing on the trunk? is it a native of Hawaii? I've seen trees like that here in India, and always wondered what they were called.
Here henna painting is done on the palms and the inside of the fingers too.

Nicole said...

First I want to say, I love henna!

And also, your daughter is a magician assistant? Coolest thing ever! Reminds me of something. When I was little, I always wanted to grow up to be a clown.

Sharon Rose said...

Really nice gardens there! Those giant trees and colorful flowers along the path are amazing! Henna tattoos are fun and pretty.
Looks like you had an amazing time! I often wished I had a very small pet monkey when I was growing up. . . how fun!

Linda said...

Ditto on WTH kinda tree is that?
Henna hands look so cool. Beautiful gardens. We have at least a dozen waterfalls within an hours driving distance from my house. I've just started exploring them. And Clemson University has some Botanical Gardens. Love FREE vacations.

mo.stoneskin said...

It's true, I do want a monkey.

Love the bag-lit path.

And are those kilts? I thought they were only allowed in Scotland.

Rikki said...

thank you - I didn't even think of that! I am going home for a week on Sunday and am heading off to Google RIGHT NOW.

Your pictures are gorgeous - I love the flowers.

I am going to start a wishing tree in my back yard for the kids after reading this (we live in 26 acres of woods, I'm sure we'll be able to find one).

Liz Mays said...

I really shouldn't read your blog because it makes me need to visit Hawaii on an almost cellular level. That is some insane beauty you have there.

Multiple personalities.. said...

Oh, how I miss the Hawaiian Islands! *tear* These photos are fabulous, thanks for sharing. Your idea for free festivals is great, I never even thought of that.

Nice to meet you via SITS!

Liz Wilkey (a.k.a. A Mom on Spin) said...

I soooooo want to get my hands painted with henna.

Now I have a wish list too!

bernthis said...

I love those paper lamps (that is what they are called right?) and there is nothing better than not wanting to go somewhere and then ending up having a great time

Girl Tornado said...

What a fun festival and great pictures you took. The botanical gardens do look like a pretty awesome place to visit. I think I'm like you sometimes, esp since I moved here last year - I tend to not get out and DO stuff. Then when I DO do something, I think "man this was so much fun I need to get out more often!!

Fragrant Liar said...

Paper lamps = luminarias. When we lived in Albuquerque, most every neighborhood was thickly lined with them during Christmas holidays and New Year. They really are gorgeous.

Those botanicals are so beautiful. And your girl is a magician's assistant? How fun is that?

I need to try those henna tatts. Looks like fun, especially on the hands.

Sprite's Keeper said...

Gorgeeous! John and I went to a few of those parks in Honolulu, not quite sure of the names right off the top of my head, and the trees, plants, and flowers were absolutely lovely!

Captain Dumbass said...

You know, even if they were wearing those kilts "traditionally," that wool had to be hot there.

I might actually be doing something touristy this weekend. If I do I'll post something for this next week.

Smart Mouth Broad said...

Thanks for sharing part of your world. This is a great idea. I love the pics but the video was my favorite.

Casey said...

Are you sure that wasn't your wish, wishing your son would curb the sarcasm for a day or two? ;) You can always borrow my kids if you want to go back to toddlerdom but I'm sure you'd hand them back rather quickly once the climbing/screaming started.

Beth said...

Can I add a wish to the tree?

I wish to have a calm school year.

It could happen.

Your pictures are gourgeous! I love the orchid shots. Sounds like a fun outing.

Anonymous said...

Fantastic pics and sound like so much fun- a staycation in Hawaii? Hmmmm.... tough one. Wish I had a travel tip-wait I might have one!

Anonymous said...

NICE!!!!!! Thanks for sharing. I'd have a staycation every day if only I lived in Hawaii.

The Redhead Riter said...

Enjoy a Tremendous Thursday!!!

Hit 40 said...

Beautiful post!! I want to know who lights all the candles in the tree?

Stacy Hackenberg said...

I'm all jealous that you live in paradise. Great post and I've added my own to Mr Linky.

Midlife Roadtripper said...

I'm often amazed at what events and places I have missed in my own town. Too busy with kids for years to venture out to many of them, I suppose.

I really like the idea of the Wishing Tree.

JennyMac said...

How fantastic! Love the pics, especially the one of the tree. Gorgeous. We got married in the Atlanta Botanical Garden so I think they are just fantastic places to see.

Melissa B. said...

Mine's a bit of a backward travelogue. Love your Superior Snaps. Hawaii is lovely!

Anonymous said...

I've always wanted to get painted with hemma! But haven't done it yet. You're flowers turned out beautiful!

Mike said...

Once again, your killin, me with the pics! I want to got to Hawaii!

Sue said...

that looks like a blast! and yes henna is cool for all ages! ;)

Robin said...

What serendipitous day for you, and those are some great photos. I an almost smell the heady fragrance of that garden. I love discovering gems right in my own backyard. The BF and I had a lovely daycation in a nearby suburb a couple weekends ago and I may have to write it up and join the Mr. Linky party.

Anonymous said...

My bro in law and cousin in law live in Lahaina. We visited Hawai'i for the first time last year.

Cristin said...

I'm posted and linked...

shaunna said...

i want to go next time and take pictures (i posted and linked and i could not get that badge to show up, sorry)

Susan English Mason said...

I posted but didn't see the Mr. Linky thingamajigger.

Susan English Mason said...

Well, I visited all of the bloggers who posted. Not a bad first round I'd say.

Anonymous said...

Looks like fun! Beautiful pictures. I love pictures of people taking pictures. I don't know why but I do.

Little known fact about me: I'm allergic to henna tattoos. My skin breaks out in angry red dots and the dye disappears to leave the design behind... only in angry red dots rather than henna.

unmitigated me said...

Oh my! I live in Michigan and I've been to FBG! Twice! It's where I got some of my favorite Oahu photos.

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